Understanding janitorial services is essential for Canadian businesses looking to maintain clean, safe, and professional facilities. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, proper facility maintenance directly impacts employee health and workplace safety.

This guide explains what janitorial services include, how they differ from commercial cleaning, typical costs in Canada, and when hiring professional janitors makes sense for your business.

What Are Janitorial Services?

Janitorial services refer to ongoing, routine cleaning and maintenance tasks performed to keep commercial facilities clean, safe, and functional. Unlike one-time deep cleaning, janitorial services involve regular, scheduled maintenance that prevents dirt accumulation and maintains hygiene standards.

The term “janitor” comes from the Latin word “ianitor” meaning doorkeeper or porter. Today, professional janitors handle a comprehensive range of facility maintenance responsibilities beyond simple cleaning.

Key Characteristics of Janitorial Services

• Routine and scheduled: Daily, weekly, or monthly service on a consistent schedule
• Preventative focus: Maintains cleanliness rather than restoring neglected spaces
• Comprehensive: Covers multiple areas and tasks throughout a facility
• Ongoing relationship: Typically involves contracts for continuous service

Core Janitorial Duties and Responsibilities

Daily Tasks

• Floor care: Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming all floor surfaces
• Trash removal: Emptying waste bins and replacing liners
• Restroom maintenance: Cleaning toilets, sinks, mirrors; restocking supplies
• Surface sanitization: Disinfecting high-touch areas like door handles and light switches
• Break room cleaning: Wiping counters, cleaning appliances, maintaining cleanliness

Weekly Tasks

• Deep vacuuming: Thorough carpet cleaning including edges and corners
• Window cleaning: Interior glass and window sill maintenance
• Furniture dusting: Desks, chairs, shelving, and fixtures
• Floor polishing: Maintaining hard floor surfaces

Monthly and Periodic Tasks

• Carpet shampooing: Deep extraction cleaning of carpeted areas
• Floor stripping and waxing: Hard floor restoration
• High dusting: Vents, light fixtures, and ceiling areas
• Upholstery cleaning: Chairs and fabric surfaces

Janitorial vs Commercial Cleaning: Key Differences

Many businesses use both services: janitorial for routine maintenance and commercial cleaning for periodic deep cleaning or specialized tasks.

Janitorial Service Costs in Canada

Pricing Models

• Hourly rates: $25–$50 CAD per hour for general janitorial work
• Per square foot: $0.05–$0.20 CAD per sq ft monthly
• Flat monthly rate: $300–$2,000+ CAD depending on facility size

Typical Monthly Costs by Facility Size

• Small office (under 2,000 sq ft): $200–$500 CAD/month
• Medium office (2,000–5,000 sq ft): $400–$1,000 CAD/month
• Large facility (5,000–10,000 sq ft): $800–$2,000 CAD/month
• Large commercial (10,000+ sq ft): $1,500–$5,000+ CAD/month

Factors Affecting Price

• Facility size and layout complexity
• Cleaning frequency (daily vs weekly)
• Geographic location (urban vs rural)
• Industry requirements (healthcare, food service)
• Additional services (carpet cleaning, window washing)

When to Hire Janitorial Services

Consider professional janitorial services when:

• Your office exceeds 2,000 sq ft: DIY cleaning becomes impractical at scale
• You have 10+ employees: Higher traffic requires consistent professional maintenance
• Client-facing spaces: First impressions matter for reception and meeting areas
• Regulated industries: Healthcare, food service, and childcare require documented cleaning protocols
• Staff productivity: Employees cleaning takes time from core responsibilities
• Consistency matters: Professional services ensure reliable, quality results

What to Expect from Professional Janitors

Professional Standards

• WHMIS training: Proper handling of cleaning chemicals
• Background checks: Verified, trustworthy staff
• Insurance coverage: Liability and workers’ compensation
• Quality control: Regular inspections and checklists
• Consistent scheduling: Reliable service times

Communication and Documentation

• Detailed service agreements outlining tasks and frequency
• Regular quality reviews and feedback mechanisms
• Emergency contact for urgent cleaning needs
• Documentation for regulatory compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a janitor and a cleaner?

A janitor typically handles ongoing facility maintenance including minor repairs, supply restocking, and building security alongside cleaning. Cleaners focus specifically on cleaning tasks without the broader facility maintenance responsibilities.

How often should janitorial services clean my office?

Most offices benefit from daily or every-other-day janitorial services for high-traffic areas (restrooms, break rooms) and weekly deep cleaning for general spaces. Healthcare and food service facilities typically require daily service.

What qualifications should professional janitors have?

In Canada, professional janitors should have WHMIS certification for chemical handling, background verification, and training in infection control practices. Many hold additional certifications for specialized tasks like floor care.

Can janitorial services work after business hours?

Yes, most janitorial companies offer after-hours service to minimize workplace disruption. Evening and overnight cleaning typically costs 10–20% more than daytime service.

How much do janitorial services cost in Ottawa?

Janitorial services in Ottawa typically cost $25–$45 per hour or $0.08–$0.18 per square foot monthly. A 3,000 sq ft office with daily service costs approximately $400–$800 per month.

Conclusion

Janitorial services provide the consistent, professional maintenance that keeps commercial facilities clean, safe, and welcoming. For Canadian businesses with offices over 2,000 sq ft or 10+ employees, professional janitorial services typically deliver better results than DIY approaches while freeing staff to focus on core business activities.

When evaluating providers, look for proper insurance, WHMIS training, clear service agreements, and references from similar businesses.

Need reliable janitorial services for your business? Contact GoodCleaner for professional janitorial services in Ottawa!